Man Charged in December Robbery, Attack in Kona

A Kona man has been charged in connection with a robbery last month in Kailua-Kona.

Police said the incident occurred on Dec. 16 when a 36-year-old Ocean View man was accosted after leaving a garage at the Kona Plaza. The suspect, identified as Jacob DeMasters of Kailua-Kona, allegedly grabbed cash out of the victim’s hand and ran away.

The Ocean View man chased the suspect to the parking lot at the Coconut Grove Marketplace where DeMasters allegedly began striking him with a metal chain. The victim was able to take the chain from DeMasters who then fled the area.

DeMasters was arrested on Tuesday and charged on Wednesday with robbery, assault and theft.

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Police said he was also charged with eight drug-related offenses stemming from items allegedly found in his car at the time of his arrest. The charges included three counts of promoting a dangerous drug and two counts of promoting a harmful drug.

Bail for DeMasters was set at $18,750.

The victim suffered minor injuries in the attack reported to police at 7:30 p.m.